Y Combinator releases its 2026 crypto startup guide, bullish on asset tokenization and AI trading brokers.

Y Combinator released its October 2026 crypto startup guide, noting that crypto growth will be driven by institutions, with applications shifting towards financial needs such as oil hedging and cross-border corporate cash flow. Y Combinator predicts that asset tokenization will expand from stablecoins and stocks to real estate titles, debt, and commodities, with startup equity and small-value assets entering the market through on-chain issuance. Around these assets, financial infrastructure such as trading, lending, and derivatives will develop, and AI agents will become financial participants.